Creating a named scholarship through the PCCC Foundation is one way in which you can assist students and leave a legacy to the Passaic County Community College. It is also a meaningful way to honor family and friends.

STEP 1 – Determine the Type of Fund: Endowed or Annual Scholarship

Endowed Scholarship funds are created to be permanent and perpetual - an ongoing gift to the Foundation. The suggested minimum amount is $25,000 paid in one installment.

If you wish to make more than one installment, then you would make a pledge as to how much you will give over time and when. The principal of the fund is invested to produce income and an annual award is made to a deserving student. The principal remains untouched so that the endowment can last into perpetuity.

Annual Scholarship. To establish an annual scholarship we recommend you set some parameters. For instance, ask yourself how much you want to give and for how long. Is it a one-time gift or for a few years? Would the student receive it for one semester or for a full year? Unlike an endowed scholarship, an annual scholarship is not a permanent fund and is awarded only as long as you choose to contribute to the fund. The suggested minimum amount for an annual scholarship is $500.

STEP 2 - Establish the Scholarship CriteriaAs the scholarship donor, you decide the name of the scholarship, as well as the criteria. The Foundation staff can assist you in establishing requirements that reflect the individual or group being honored. For example, you may wish to have the award be based on a specific area of interest, geographic origin, academic achievement and/or financial need.

STEP 3 - Awarding of Scholarships The application process takes place every Spring. Students submit an application form, two letters of recommendation from faculty/staff and an essay. The College’s Student Development Committee reviews the applications and selects the most deserving recipient based on the donor-established criteria. The donors are notified annually when the scholarship recipient has been selected. The annual Foundation’s Donor Breakfast provides a wonderful opportunity for the donors to meet the students and be thanked in person for their generosity.

For more information about creating a Named Scholarship please contact Todd Sorber, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at (973) 684-5656 or tsorber@pccc.edu.